Rocket Battalion of Artillery in the American Civil War

Overview

The 1st New York Rocket Battalion of Artillery, also known as Gen. Barry’s Rocket Battalion, was a unique artillery unit organized in Albany, New York, during the early winter of 1861. Raised for three years’ service in the Union Army, the battalion was among the few units equipped with rocket artillery during the Civil War. It served primarily in the Eastern Theater, including the defenses of Washington, D.C., and later in North Carolina.

This unit is distinct in its experimental use of rocket artillery, a technology that saw limited deployment and mixed results during the conflict.

Organization & Service

The Rocket Battalion of Artillery was organized at Albany, New York, in late 1861. Initially composed of three companies, the battalion was mustered into United States service for a three-year term. On December 5, 1861, the three companies were consolidated into two, and the battalion, under the command of Major Thomas M. Lyon, departed New York on December 9, 1861.

Upon arrival in Washington, D.C., the battalion was assigned to the defenses of the capital, where it remained for several months. In 1862, the battalion was transferred to North Carolina, where it continued to serve in various posts and operations. The experimental nature of rocket artillery led to operational challenges, and the battalion did not see extensive combat action. On February 11, 1863, the Rocket Battalion was discontinued by official order. Its two remaining companies were redesignated as the 23rd and 24th New York Batteries of Light Artillery.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Defenses of Washington, D.C. (1861–1862)
• Service in North Carolina (1862–1863)

Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Casualties

Specific casualty figures for the 1st New York Rocket Battalion of Artillery are not separately reported in official sources. The battalion did not participate in major battles and saw limited action. Some details are incomplete in surviving primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Major Thomas M. Lyon

Regimental Roster

The full roster of officers and enlisted men who served in the 1st New York Rocket Battalion of Artillery (Three Years’ Service) is available on the regiment’s roster page. This resource provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the battalion.

To view the complete roster, visit the 1st New York Rocket Battalion of Artillery (Three Years’ Service) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volumes 9, 18, and related correspondence.
• New York State Adjutant General’s Report (Annual Reports, 1862–1863).
• Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion.
• Fox, William F. Regimental Losses in the American Civil War.